Hotel Shadab's FSSAI Licence Suspended Following TG SAFE Food Safety Drive in Hyderabad

In a major regulatory crackdown in Hyderabad, the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has suspended the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence of the iconic Hotel Shadab at Madina Circle. Officials instructed the establishment to cease all business operations immediately following the discovery of severe hygiene, sanitation, and safety lapses. The action was taken after inspection teams uncovered spoiled food articles, improper storage practices for raw and cooked meat, cockroach and housefly infestations, open dustbins, and food handling staff operating without mandatory headgear.

The suspension was part of a special enforcement drive conducted across Hyderabad's core urban region, where nine dedicated teams

—comprising food safety officers and police personnel

—inspected 19 prominent cafes, restaurants, and snack centers.

Aside from Hotel Shadab, two other eateries

—Dreamz Cafeteria in Bagh Lingampally and Asiatic Café in Punjagutta

—were completely shut down for operating without valid FSSAI registrations.

During the operations, task force officers discarded perishables exposed to dust on the spot, seized items suspected of adulteration, and collected 15 formal food samples for laboratory testing.

Key outcomes and enforcement details from the TG SAFE drive include:

• Licence Suspension: FSSAI licence of Hotel Shadab's Madina branch suspended over meat storage violations and poor pest control.
• Unlicensed Closures: Immediate shutdown ordered for Dreamz Cafeteria and Asiatic Café for operating without mandatory FSSAI registration.
• Sample Collection: 15 food samples sent for analysis, while adulterated items like tea powder and ginger-garlic paste were seized.
• Improvement & Show-Cause Notices: Notices issued to 12 popular joints, including Nimrah Cafe, Bahar Biryani Cafe, and Blue Sea Tea and Snacks, to rectify identified deficiencies.

Key Implications

The strict regulatory enforcement against high-profile culinary landmarks like Hotel Shadab signals a zero-tolerance shift by municipal health authorities in Hyderabad. As consumer awareness around food-borne illness grows, public health agencies are prioritizing stringent field inspections over brand legacy, enforcing strict adherence to basic sanitary standards across popular heritage eateries.

Furthermore, the extensive drive highlights systemic compliance gaps in food handling, documentation, and staff hygiene within the hospitality sector. Regular surprise checks, mandatory safety certifications, and follow-up inspections will be vital to ensure that commercial kitchens across urban hubs maintain standardized food preparation and pest control practices.